Caro Villa

The Villa Caro, located in the center of Gliwice at Dolnych Wałów Street, is an example of a well-preserved residence of wealthy Upper Silesian industrialists. It was built between 1882 and 1885 on the commission of Oscar Caro. This industrialist, who settled in Gliwice around 1882, gained recognition as the grandson of an iron goods merchant. The villa is characterized by an eclectic style that combines features of nineteenth-century Italian Renaissance villa architecture. Its architecture, with a harmonious silhouette and richly decorated interiors, was reconstructed after a thorough renovation between 1991 and 2000, preserving easily recognizable details such as ceilings, wood paneling, and parquet floors. Surrounding the villa is a beautifully arranged garden, enclosed by a new stone and metal fence, and in front of the building stands a sculpture of a vigilant lion, serving as an interesting monument. Culturally, Villa Caro functions as the main headquarters of the Museum in Gliwice, offering a permanent exhibition illustrating nineteenth-century industrialists' interiors and an ethnographic display of the region's folk culture. Since 1934, the building served as the seat of the Oberschlesische Museum, further emphasizing its importance in the context of preserving and presenting regional cultural heritage. An interesting fact is that the villa was owned by Oscar Caro until 1909, when he moved to the Paulinum Palace in Jelenia Góra, though he retained ownership until 1916. The building underwent various changes in ownership, and in 1924 it became the headquarters of an industrial-construction company, which led to a thorough reconstruction that added an extra floor. After World War II, in 1945, the villa was incorporated into the structures of the Museum in Gliwice, contributing to its further preservation for future generations. Villa Caro not only illustrates the development of architecture in the region but also testifies to the rich history of Gliwice and its inhabitants.